Regulatory Reform

Wisconsin’s Red Tape Reset

Wisconsin is one of the most overregulated states in the country.

Cutting Red Tape to Unleash Wisconsin’s Potential

Everyday life, work, and innovation in Wisconsin are bogged down by an outdated and bloated regulatory code. With over 165,000 restrictions on the books, Wisconsin ranks the 13th most regulated state in the country. Excessive red tape drives up costs, stifles economic growth, and limits opportunity for families, businesses, and communities.

The Wisconsin Red Tape Reset will streamline regulations, eliminate unnecessary rules, unleashing economic growth and creating a better future for Wisconsin.

Tracking Wisconsin’s Regulatory Burden Over Time

The tracker below shows the number of regulatory restrictions issued by each major state agency from 2020 to 2024.

A regulatory restriction is identified by the presence of certain terms within a regulation, including “shall,” “must,” “may not,” “required,” and “prohibited,” which are commonly used to impose legal obligations or limits.

Green cells indicate areas where the number of regulations has decreased significantly. Blue cells indicate a significant increase in regulations from year to year. If you click on an agency, you can also examine the growth in regulatory restrictions by each chapter of the administrative code.

Data source is QuantGov.org.

Latest in Regulatory Reform

Key Bills to Support

Sunset Review – LRB-0565 (Neylon/Nass)
Ensures every rule is reviewed at least every 7 years or it automatically expires. Prevents outdated, irrelevant rules from lingering for decades. Promotes efficiency and continuous improvement.
Regulatory Budgeting – LRB-0566 (Gustafson/Bradley)
New rules must be offset by eliminating costly outdated ones. Ensures net-zero cost growth in our regulatory code. Based on successful reforms in Texas, Oklahoma, and Virginia.
One Rule Per Scope – LRB-0567 (Knodl/Hutton
Agencies may only promulgate one rule per scope statement. Stops agencies from quietly issuing multiple rules under a single vague notice. Protects transparency and encourages public input.
Fee Shifting for Rule Challenges – LRB-0568 (Tusler/Wimberger)
Ensures Wisconsinites who successfully challenge unlawful rules can recover legal fees. Encourages accountability. Levels the playing field against agency overreach.

Our Regulatory Reform Work

WILL Unveils Open Records Guide to Promote Transparent Government

WILL Unveils Open Records Guide to Promote Transparent Government

New guide part of an ongoing effort provided to help citizens better understand and interact with government officials and hold them accountable.
Reforming the Governor’s Partial Veto: How Should It Be Done?

Reforming the Governor’s Partial Veto: How Should It Be Done?

To preserve the separation of powers and eliminate any ambiguity in the law, the legislature should strongly consider adopting a constitutional amendment.
Analysis: Evers 400 Year Veto

Analysis: Evers 400 Year Veto

While the Governor’s decision to veto a tax cut for millions of Wisconsinites yesterday has garnered the most ...
Open Government Protection Act Passes WI State Senate Unanimously

Open Government Protection Act Passes WI State Senate Unanimously

The News: The Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty (WILL), the state’s leading watchdog for government ...
The Citizen’s Guide to the Wisconsin Administrative State

The Citizen’s Guide to the Wisconsin Administrative State

The separation of powers is fundamental to American government. We all learn that the U.S Constitution divides ...
WILL Applauds Committee Action to Suspend Burdensome Red Tape on Rentals with Pools

WILL Applauds Committee Action to Suspend Burdensome Red Tape on Rentals with Pools

WILL testified in favor of the JCRAR action to suspend the burdensome regulations until the next legislative session after consulting with numerous homeowners who are caught in this regulatory catch-22.
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